Definition of the word common sense

The phrase "common sense" has its origins in the Enlightenment period of the 18th century, a time of great intellectual and philosophical ferment. During this period, there was a growing emphasis on reason and logic, and a belief that knowledge could be acquired through empirical observation and logical reasoning. The term "common sense" was coined by the Scottish philosopher Thomas Reid in the late 1700s. Reid argued that there were certain fundamental principles of reasoning and perception that were universally true and obvious to all reasonable people. He called these principles "common sense" because they were common to all people, regardless of their education or background. Reid's conception of common sense was rooted in his belief that there were innate mental faculties that enabled humans to perceive and understand the world around them. According to Reid, these faculties included sensation (the ability to perceive the world through the senses), reflection (the ability to think and reason), and common sense. Reid's emphasis on common sense reflected a broader trend in Enlightenment philosophy, which placed a premium on practicality and utility. Enlightenment thinkers sought to develop a philosophy that was both rational and relevant to the needs and concerns of ordinary people. In this context, common sense came to be seen as a crucial component of practical wisdom and good judgment. Today, the term "common sense" continues to be used in everyday language to denote a basic level of practical knowledge and judgment. However, its use has become increasingly problematic in recent years, as it has been co-opted by political pundits and television hosts to refer to a narrow and politically-charged set of beliefs. This use of the term has led some philosophers and linguists to question whether the term "common sense" has any real meaning, or whether it is simply a political term that is being used to mask a lack of intellectual coherence. Regardless of these debates, however, the origins of the term "common sense" in Enlightenment philosophy continue to provide a valuable insight into the ways in which people of different generations have sought to make sense of the world around them.